Collapsible display system

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to any improved display system unit for holding display panels, photomurals, banners, signs or the like in a variety of sizes. There is also depicted multi-unit systems consecutively joined by hinged and straight connectors to form any desired display configuration. Interchangeable snap or press fit connectors allow alternate assemblies and wall or floor mounting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 09/767,442, filed Jan. 23, 2001, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/480,108, filed Jan. 10,2000, itself a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/878,745,filed Jun. 19, 1997 which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 08/738,876, filed Oct. 28, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No.5,839,705, issued Nov. 24, 1998. The previous related applications areof common inventorship and assignment and the contents of both aredeemed incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for anypurpose.

[0002] I. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to improved display systems forholding display graphics including panels, photomurals, banners, signsor the like in tension and in a generally upright, but angularlyadjustable, position and particularly to a collapsible lightweightsystem that is easily assembled with the item to be displayed orcollapsed for transport or storage. The display system can be usedindoors as a stand alone support or outdoors with a stake-down system orstabilizing counter weights.

[0004] II. Related Art

[0005] There often exists a need to provide a temporary or portable oreven permanent device for displaying one or more photomural or othergraphic information carrying banner or sign that is readily deployed tosupport and display a relatively large sign and yet can be removedand/or collapsed into a lightweight, easily carried compact form fortransport and storage. Such a device would find advantageous use inretail sales displays, trade shows, fairs, lawn signs or the like toprovide a variety of information to those in view of it. Certain typesof signs have been devised that are portable and at least to some extentcollapsible.

[0006] One type of collapsible, multi-faceted, self-supporting systemswith opposed displays is shown by Zeigler (U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,841) inwhich panels are held together in a back-to-back arrangement. Othercollapsible systems are depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,498 to Perutz etal and U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,126 to Sorenson et al. Scissor connectors areused to interconnect a plurality of vertical frame units in Weinrub etal (U.S. Pat. No 5,269,112).

[0007] While existing devices have certain attributes and provide adegree of flexibility and portability in display signs, there remains aneed for a lightweight, durable, fully collapsible system that deploysfrom a knock-down transport or storage state to accommodate a variety ofbanners or photo-murals readily. There also exists a need for such asystem in which a plurality of different banners or murals can beinterchangeably displayed in a variety of combinations of multiplepanels using the same frames to form a variety of larger multiple-framedisplays of various configurations. There also would be an advantage ifthe size of the display frame could be varied to accommodate a varietyof display sizes.

[0008] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention toprovide a versatile, lightweight, durable, readily deployed, readilycollapsible display support system for a banner or photomural displaypanel that combines in a variety of configurations to accommodate avariety of banners.

[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide a lightweight,durable, readily deployed, readily collapsible display support systemfor a plurality of banner or photomural display panel units in which avariety of banners or photomurals can readily be accommodated on panelsjoined together in a manner that enables at least some individual panelsto be pivoted relative to each other to form triangles, winged shapesand any number of other display shapes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide such amulti-panel display support system in which the posture of any displaypanel is variable and easily adjusted.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is the provision ofa collapsible self-supporting display panel unit of adjustable size.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such adisplay panel support system that is relatively rugged and economical.

[0013] A still further object of the invention is to provide alightweight, durable, readily deployed, readily collapsible displaysupport system for a plurality of banner or photomural display panels inwhich the banners or photomurals can be displayed in one or moredirections.

[0014] A yet still further object of the invention is to provide alightweight, durable, readily deployed, readily collapsible displaysupport system for a plurality of banner or photomural display panels inwhich the banners or photomurals can be displayed a single directionconsecutively in line.

[0015] Other objects and advantages associated with the display panelsupport system of the invention will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon further consideration of this specification, drawings andappended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention provides compact, lightweight,self-contained support systems that are easily deployed to carry andsupport one or more photomurals, banners, signs or the like undertension and that readily collapse to rather small sizes for transportand storage. As used herein, the terms “banner” or panel or photomural,etc. are defined to include all possible types of display articlessusceptible of mounting using the support system of the invention.

[0017] The display support systems of the invention may take a varietyof forms using relatively few interchangeable parts making themextremely versatile and easy to manufacture. The system may beconstructed of segments of strong, light weight aluminum alloy tubeconnected using slip fittings, connecting hub devices and other uniqueparts. Other materials including other metals and polymeric materials orfiberglass may also be used for the rod segments. Connectors and hubdevices may be machined from metals or made of any dimensionally stablematerial including cast, molded or otherwise processed polymer materialssuch as polyamides, for example. Successful parts here been made fromvarious nylons.

[0018] In some cases, portions of the rods or other parts may be ofsolid construction. The parts may be snap-fit together using a varietyof fittings. However, the panel support systems or individual units aregenerally made up of a plurality of hollow tube segments connected byone or more internal resilient cord (bungee) systems that allow easyassembly and disassembly (knock down) for transport or storage in arelatively small container. The support units can be sized to carry oneor more rectangular banners of any size or shape or a banner of anyother configuration capable of being tensioned between such spacedparallel tubes. The system is very light weight and, for example, asingle 4′×8′ banner support of aluminum alloy may weigh less than apound.

[0019] One single-banner embodiment incorporates a pair of spaced hollowmounting tubes which carry opposite edge loops of the banner threadedover the tubes. In an assembled system, the banner is carried on andbetween the mounting rods, spaced apart, the banner held in tension by apair of hollow strut members crossed to form an X-bracing arrangement.The struts are made up from a plurality of slip-fit sections whichcombine to form elongated flexible tubular members which, when assembledin place, cross behind the banner and hold the mounting tubes in spacedparallel relation the flexible rods being somewhat longer than thetransversal distance of the assembled structure and so assuming a bowedshape when connected to the mounting tubes. Both ends of each of theflexible struts of the X-bracing include terminal pins which aredesigned to be accommodated in openings in corresponding resilientlyheld hub members slip fitted into the ends of the spaced hollow mountingrod members. The openings in the hubs are elongated toward the surfaceto accommodate the struts over a range of angles between hub and strut.The X-bracing flexible strut members themselves are adjustablyconstrained at the intersection where they cross behind the banner by acentral strap or loop member which allows relative displacement of theintersection along the X-bracing strut members.

[0020] Each hub end of one hollow mounting tube member, i.e., the onewhich carries the lower edge loop of the banner, and becomes the lowerhollow mounting rod member in the combined structure, is alsoresiliently connected to one end of one of a pair of hollow base tubemembers, the other ends of which converge to intersect and form the legsof an isosceles triangle support base with the lower mounting tubemember. The intersection of the base legs is connected by a hollowstabilizing tube member, of one or a plurality of slip fit sections,with the strap surrounding the intersection of the X-bracing strutmembers to complete and stabilize the mounting structure. Adjustment ofthe posture of the connecting rod relative to the base trianglecorrespondingly adjusts the posture of the banner.

[0021] The X-bracing tubular struts, particularly in larger models, arepreferably made up of plurality of sequentially connected slip jointedtube segments tensioned by a resilient internal cord member of the typecommonly referred to as“bungee” cords connected between end pins thatare fit into the ends of each of the X-bracing struts as assembled. Asstated, the converging base tube members and connecting strut member arealso connected together utilizing a loop of resilient cord materialwhich passes in a loop around the strap connecting the X-bracingintersection and extends through the stabilizing tube member segments asa pair of resilient cords, each of which is thereafter separatelythreaded through one of the base tube members to a terminal eyeletlarger than the internal diameter of the base tube member and designedto be captured by the corresponding pin of the X-bracing strut tube whenit is assembled in the hub opening in the corresponding hub in the lowermounting tube member.

[0022] In this manner, the system can easily be disassembled andassembled by applying tension to pull the connections apart at the hubor along the resilient connecting cords. As with the pins terminatingthe strut members of the X-bracing, the hubs at the ends of the upperand lower mounting rods may also be held in place by a common connectingresilient cord member attached to inside eyelets provided therein. Thenetwork of cords provides sufficient tension to stabilize the assembledunit and enough resistance to allow easy disassembly. The multiplesegments of the X-bracing tubular struts readily fold when pulled apartand the connecting rod member segments readily fold with the basemembers. The banner or mural may be folded while still on the mountingrods or separately and the whole assembly readily stored in a carryingcase or tube.

[0023] In still other embodiments of single banner units, both themounting members and the X-bracing struts are constructed to haveadjustable lengths. They may be constructed using a co-axial telescopingarrangement so that the lengths of both can be adjusted and banners in arange of sizes can be accommodated on a single mounting device. Thetelescoping arrangement of the invention also enables mounting tubes andbracing struts to be locked in at any desired length in the rangeavailable so that once adjusted the system can be tightened and fixed inplace for a particular size banner or mural and, thereafter, changed toaccommodate another size as desired.

[0024] The triangle base may, optionally, be a removable snap-on supportbase including members which connect to form a triangle with the lowermounting member and a vertical strut (which may also telescope)connected at the top to the intersection of the X-brace as by a snap-on,snap-together hub and at the bottom to the intersection of the basemembers using a 3-way connector. The snap-on hub may replace a strapmember in any embodiment and any telescoping (adjustable) or fixed unitcan be provided with a removable triangle base in another embodiment.

[0025] The triangular base, single banner display embodiments readilyconvert into a continuous-line multi-banner display by simply changingthe hub members in the mounting rods from single ended, single port todouble ended, double port hubs that accommodate two strut members. Inthis manner, as many consecutive banners or photomurals or the like asdesired can be aligned and locked together, possibly as elements of amuch larger picture or display. Each end mural and if desired eachconsecutive mural may be supported on a triangular base so that theentire length is self-stabilized.

[0026] The display system may be arranged using a parallelogram orrectangular construction with banners or panels in spaced back-to-backarrangements as two or four banner rectangular system. Alternatively, inanother conceptual aspect, an A-frame arrangement mounts a dual sidedlooped banner using a single top mounting member and spaced lowermounting members held together with a single X-brace set. Thisarrangement resembles the conventional “sandwich board” in shape. Unitsmay also form consecutively joined rectangular arrangements withback-to-back banners in which the individual systems join at the ends ofthe banner rods much in the manner of the triangular base systems. Therectangular configuration is stable in an upright position or on itsside as a table or table-top display. Combinations of all types may beconstructed to form bridges or other configurations.

[0027] In still other configurations, individual, single banner unitscan be joined together using a hinged swivel arrangement in a variety ofconfigurations with or without triangular support bases. In this manner,as many consecutive units as desired can be arranged side by side inself-supporting configurations.

[0028] The stability of the X-brace configuration further allowsmounting as by clamping the X intersection over itself to a mountingpedestal for a variety of uses. One such use is a tripod mount thatallows adjustment of a mural to be used as a photo background,reflective screen or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the drawings wherein like numerals characteristically identifylike parts throughout the same:

[0030]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled display system inaccordance with the invention;

[0031]FIG. 2 is a generally blown apart view of the display system ofFIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a typical mountingtube end and mounting tube hub member;

[0033]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a typical slip fit end utilized inthe segmented tube assembly of the system;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view from behind an assembleddisplay system in accordance with the invention;

[0035]FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the adjustability of the bannerdisplay system of FIG. 5;

[0036]FIG. 7 is a rear schematic perspective view showing a tie-downsystem in conjunction with the display system of the invention;

[0037]FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views showing connected back-to-backbanner systems used in a more complex display;

[0038]FIG. 9A is a plan view of a right triangle shaped water bladderhold-down device for stabilizing the stand base of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of the water bladder of FIG.9A;

[0040]FIG. 10 is a plan view detail showing connection of a waterbladder in accordance with FIG. 9A over a base tube member of the standbase of the invention;

[0041]FIGS. 11 and 12 depict various patterns of water bladders usablewith various sized displaced ends in accordance with the invention; and

[0042]FIGS. 13A and 13C depict in-line combinations of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-7;

[0043]FIGS. 14A and 14B depict details of one single bore connecting hub(A hub) for use in assembling the support systems of the invention;

[0044]FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a dual bore connecting hub with theinvention;

[0045]FIGS. 16A and 16B depict one hub locking system associated with ahub configuration of the invention;

[0046]FIGS. 17A and 17B depict two assembled rectangular banner displaysupport systems;

[0047]FIG. 18 illustrates a consecutive rectangular banner displayarrangement;

[0048]FIG. 19 shows a combination of vertical or tower rectangularbanner display arrangements with a horizontal display in an arch orbridge arrangement;

[0049]FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate two horizontal rectangular bannerdisplay deployments;

[0050]FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate one hub used in the construction ofthe rectangular banner display support system;

[0051]FIG. 23 depicts a “baseless” X-braced banner display arrangementused as a tripod mount;

[0052]FIG. 24 is an enlarged drawing of a clamp usable to attach thebanner display of FIG. 23 to a conventional tripod;

[0053] FIGS. 25A-25C depict perspective views of a variety of additionalmulti-unit arrangements which may employ hinged or swivel connectorsbetween units;

[0054]FIG. 25D depicts a perspective view of an alternative linear orin-line multi-unit arrangement;

[0055]FIG. 25E is a perspective view of a composite booth-typearrangement;

[0056] FIGS. 26A-26D depict consecutively connected units using fittingsconnecting adjacent mounting members to form a variety of end-to-endpolygon shapes seen in perspective.

[0057] FIGS. 27A-27M illustrate a variety of additional hub andconnecting fittings for use with the systems including several hinged orpivoting connectors;

[0058]FIGS. 28A and 28B depict two lengths of crossing or X-brace legsdesigned featuring a telescoping adjustable length;

[0059]FIG. 29 depicts one size or length of a mounting tube having anadjustable length;

[0060] FIGS. 30A-30E further illustrate a locking mechanism for theadjustable lengths and several bungee or resilient cord attachmentalternative arrangements;

[0061]FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of an easel having atelescoping construction and illustrating a removable triangular basesupport;

[0062] FIGS. 32A-32B further illustrate an A-frame construction;

[0063]FIG. 33 is a rear view of a central hub member with fragmentarybraces attached and a stabilizer or tripod support leg arrangement for abanner display system in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention showing dual leg positions;

[0064]FIG. 34 is a side view partially in section of the centralX-member hub with attached stabilizing leg of FIG. 33;

[0065]FIG. 35 is a rear view of a banner display system utilizing thecentral hub member of FIGS. 33 and 34;

[0066]FIG. 36 is a side view of the banner display system of FIG. 35;

[0067]FIG. 37 is a fragmentary view showing locking system for aback-to-back arrangement using two central X-members;

[0068]FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of the double connector ofFIG. 37;

[0069]FIGS. 39A and 39B illustrate a wall fastening arrangement such asthat utilized in FIG. 40;

[0070]FIG. 40 is a fragmentary exploded view partially in section andwith parts cut away illustrating an arrangement in which the displaysystem is fastened in a snap-fit arrangement to a wall;

[0071]FIG. 41 depicts a schematic view of the wall fastening system ofFIG. 40 as used to connect a multi-faceted conglomerate display to wallsand floor;

[0072]FIG. 42 is a partially blown apart fragmentary view of a centralhub member and a connecting stabilizing leg as shown in FIGS. 34-36; and

[0073] FIGS. 43A-43D illustrate adaptations of a tripod leg to thesystem of FIGS. 33-36.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides acompact, light weight, self-contained support system that comes apartquite easily for storage and transport and that readily assembleswithout tools into a resilient versatile banner display system with manyconfigurations and applications. This system represents an excellentmode for displaying a banner, photomural, sign or other flexibleinformation conveying display device capable of being carried betweenspaced mounting rods in an adjustably, generally vertical setup. Hubsand connectors are generally quite interchangeable and many structuresconvert among a variety of arrangements. The embodiments shown in thedrawings illustrate the concept of the system but are not intended to belimiting in any way with respect to other variations which might occurto those skilled in the art. The system can be utilized indoors oroutdoors and several devices for holding the displays in place are alsoillustrated below.

[0075] FIGS. 1-3 show the general concept in assembly of the bannerdisplay system of the invention in which a banner, generally at 10, andhaving at its ends mounting loop segments 12 and 14. The loop segments12 and 14 are designed to slip over respective hollow mounting tubes 16and 18. The hollow mounting tube 16 is provided with end hubs 20 and 22and, likewise, rod 18 is provided with the mounting hubs 24 and 26. Themounting tubes are held spaced apart by a pair of elongate segmentedflexible hollow strut members 28 and 30 with strut member 28 being madeup of individual segments 32, 34 and 36 and strut member 30 beingassembled from segments 38, 40 and 42. The strut members 28 and 32 areassembled using slip joint members as at 44 which fit the insidediameter of the adjacent hollow strut section as at 46 (FIG. 2). Thehollow flexible strut members 28 and 30 are further provided withterminal pins 48, 50, 52 and 54, respectively. The terminal pins aredesigned to be accommodated in corresponded angled openings in the hubmembers of the hollow mounting tubes such as 20 which is featured in theenlarged perspective view of FIG. 3.

[0076] Hub 20 and the other hubs described herein are typically machinedfrom an aluminum alloy such as 211T3 aluminum. Hub 20 is provided with anecked-down (shank) section 61 designed to fit into the hollow mountingtube 16. The remaining portion of the hub protrudes out of the tube andis provided with a recess 60 designed to accommodate the pin 48 asillustrated in the blown apart view of FIG. 2. The opening of the recess60 is laterally wider than the diameter of the terminal pins so that theterminal pin may be accommodated despite variations in the addressingangle along in the direction of the elongation with respect to the hubmember 20. The hubs 20, 22, and 24, 26, are, in turn, held in the endsof the respective upper and lower mounting tubes 16 and 18 by cordsconnected through inner openings in section of further reduced diameter62 the hub such as illustrated in at 63 countersunk at 64 to preventcord damage.

[0077] The segmented flexible hollow strut members 28 and 30 arerespectively held together by internal resilient cord members 64 and 65which are connected between the terminal pins as at 48 and 50 in thecase of strut 28. The terminal pins 48 and 50 contain cord connectionopenings (not shown), but which are similar to opening 61 in the hubmember 20 for attachment of the resilient cord.

[0078] The composite flexible hollow struts or braces 28 and 30 crossbehind the banner 10 to cross brace the structure when each of the endsis inserted in the respective proper opening in the hub as at 60 in hub20 illustrated in FIG. 3. The crossing position is provided with aretaining strap member as at 66 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and, as alsoevident from the figures, the flexible hollow struts become somewhatbowed as they support the banner 10 in tension forcing the upper andlower mounting tubes 16 and 18 apart.

[0079] The system is further provided with an integral connectedtriangular-shaped stable support base that includes a pair of hollowtube base members of equal length 70 and 72 which form an isoscelestriangle with the lower hollow mounting rod 18 connected by respectiveeyelets 74 and 76 which are designed to accommodate terminal pins 54 and50, respectively, prior to those terminal pins being inserted in therespective hubs 20 and 26 of the lower mounting tube member 18. In thismanner, one end each of the members 70 and 72 are attached to the lowerhollow mounting tube 18. The remaining ends converge and are furtherconnected with a segmented stabilizing tube member 78 having segmentedportions 80 and 82 and which connects between the strap 66 and theconverging free ends of the members 70 and 72 at 84 assuming thereby agenerally vertical posture. As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the entiresupporting structure including members 70, 72 and 78, together witheyelets 74 and 76, are interconnected and also connected to the strap 66via a continuous common resilient cord loop as at 86.

[0080] Once assembled, the banner support system can be moved about andpicked up by grasping the back in the vicinity of the strap 66 as itremains quite stable. As shown in FIG. 5, assembled member 78 becomes avertical stabilizer between the intersection of the flexible struts 28and 30 and the corner of the triangular base at 84. This provides astructure which geometrically includes at the same time many triangleswhich create a very stable structure.

[0081]FIG. 6 depicts that the posture of the whole structure can betilted forward and backward simply by changing the angle between themember 78 and the vertical pull that whole structure back or push itforward and it will remain stable in the extreme positions or in anyposition therebetween because of the elastic nature of the assembly.FIG. 6, though not limiting, illustrates a 30° range which includestilting the banner forward 15° at 90 and back 15° at 92. The verticalposition being shown at 94. The elastic nature of the assembly utilizinga plurality of resilient cord members results in a structure which isstable and supportive, yet can be shifted or distorted and one whichwill remain in the shifted position.

[0082]FIG. 7 shows the same structure in a staked or outdoorapplication. Whereas the normal application is indoors where the bannersystem is not subjected to wind or other disturbances which may cause itto blow down, it can be readily staked outdoors as by cords 100 and 102as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, the members of the base triangle mayalso be staked to the ground as shown at 104, 106, 108 and 110.

[0083] Another outdoor or indoor stabilization system is shown on FIGS.9A-12, triangular sand bags, water bladders or other such shapes, or thelike, can be connected to hold down one or more of the lower basemembers to retain the system in place, if desired. FIG. 9A depicts aplan view of a water bladder generally at 120. A triangular outlinedepicting the full equivalent right triangle at 122 and a solid linedepicting the actual shape at 124. A hook and loop attaching system maybe utilized with the water bladders and hook patches are represented asat 126, 128 and 130 with loop patches illustrated at 132, 134 and 136,respectively. The side elevational view of FIG. 9 illustrates a similarbladder with a filler cap at 138 for the addition of water as theweighting material.

[0084]FIG. 10 illustrates use of a hook and loop connecting system inwhich a hold-down connecting member 140 is looped about a base tubemember as at 70 and also connected by a second hook and loop connectionat 142 to a bladder as at 120.

[0085]FIGS. 11 and 12 further illustrate the placement of single andmultiple water bladders relative to smaller and larger triangular basesat 156 and 152. In this manner, a variety of such weighted waterbladders can be combined to hold down large or small triangular bases inany configuration and simply hook together utilizing hook and loopconnecting systems thereby providing the necessary additional weight tostabilize the base without interfering with the display.

[0086]FIGS. 8 and 8A depict the placements of the banner support ordisplay stand systems of the invention back to back to display bannersin opposite directions somewhat like the concept of the traditionsandwich board. Thus, two system 160 and 162 mounted back to back canfurther be connected by top and bottom members as at 164, 166, 168 and170 to form a composite box structure for added stability. It willfurther be appreciated that such a box structure can accommodate 4individual units at 90° to produce a 4-banner, 4-sided display.

[0087] To assemble the banner display support system of the invention,the terminal pins of the flexible X-bracing struts 28 and 30 can readilybe pulled out of the hubs on the upper and lower mounting rods andthereafter the system simply can be collapsed into its elemental statesby tensioning the cords in the members 28, 30, 78 thereby reducing themto their segmental size. These, along with the two banner mountingtubes, possibly with the banner still attached or with the bannerremoved and rolled up, can easily be stowed within a rather smallcontainer such as a rounded canister for storage and transport. Thesystem, thus, is a knock-down or collapsible, readily assembled bannerstand which has flexibility and versatility realizing that the bannercan be displayed at any of many angles forward and back of the verticaland can be staked or otherwise held for outdoor applications. The systemsimple of construction requiring only elastic cord elements andsegmentally slip jointed tubing with terminal pins, together with a pairof banner mounting tubes having resiliently connected end hubs designedto adjustably accommodate the terminal pins. It will be appreciated thatany flexible fabric can be used for the banner including flag nylon,velvet loop, wall carpet, vinyl, other polymers and even some papers.Graphics can be one or two sided and the banner may be reversible. Manypatterns can be described using multiple units and, of course, anynumber of banners can be interchanged using the same structure. It willfurther be appreciated that the structure can be made any desirable sizeand utilize fewer or more interconnected segments at the discretion ofthose skilled in the art and remain within the confines of the scope ofthe invention.

[0088] An important aspect of the invention is the relative simplicityof the concept of the self-contained support system of the inventiontogether with the adaptable versatility that enables the system toexpand and be easily modified to accommodate a proliferation of usefulforms. FIGS. 13A-13C depict the formation of a linear combination of thetriangular base embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 in which any number of banners10 may be consecutively mounted and aligned to produce a largerphotomural or banner or to display different images consecutively.Add-on or consecutive assembly can be achieved by simply replacing thesingle ended, single bore type hubs, such as shown at A in FIGS. 14A and14B, with double ended, dual bore hubs, as shown at B in FIGS. 15A and15B, where banners are to be joined. In this manner, the hub willaccommodate successive cross brace or strut members as at 30 and 28A inFIG. 13B. FIG. 13C depicts the attachment of additional units with thelast hub being depicted as A or B depicting the option of addingadditional units to the display or terminating it at that point.

[0089] The bore 200 of the A hub of FIG. 14A is shown inserted into anend fragment of a tubular member 16 and without the tubular member inFIG. 14B with bungee cord eyelet 202. These eyelets are as previouslydescribed in accordance with other embodiments. Likewise, the doubleended, dual bore version B is shown inserted into fragmentary tube 16 aand 16 b in FIG. 15A and bungee bores 208 and 210 are shown in FIG. 15Bwithout the tube 16 a and 16 b.

[0090]FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an alternative self-latching orself-locking hub arrangement which may be utilized with any of the hubsillustrated. In this arrangement, each hub A, B or C (FIGS. 22A and 22B)is provided with a bore 200 having a central opening 220 that is smallerthan the adjacent recesses 222 and 224 of larger bore on either sidethereof thereby forming a narrowed or necked-down passage. Eachcorresponding strut terminal pin or other terminal pin on the hubs has acorresponding end knob as at 228 of a diameter slightly larger than theremainder or shank of the pin. The knob 228 is just able to slip throughthe central opening 220 in the bore 200 as shown in FIG. 16A. In FIG.16B, the end knob 228 is beyond the central opening 220 and so is due toresume an angled posture in accordance with the bowing of the strut theknob 228 thereby preventing withdrawal of the pin 226 and locking thestrut in position. The rectangular systems also lock in a similar manneras will be described below.

[0091]FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate different rectangular or tower bannerdisplay arrangements, generally at 232 and 234, respectively, suitablefor mounting two, three or four banners about the size of the assembly.In this arrangement, four upper tube members as at 236, 238, 240 and 242and four corresponding lower tube members as at 236 a, 238 a, 240 a and242 a are provided. Back-to-back X-bracing strut configurations similarto those previously described in conjunction with the triangular systemare provided which converge centrally as at 244 and are retained as by astrap member 246. Detail of these need not be repeated. Two X-bracedstrut configurations suffice to create a sufficient and stable tensionbalance in the structure to support and expand 2-4 banners.

[0092] As indicated by the letters in FIG. 17A, the opposite andparallel cross tube members 238 and 242 carry terminal hubs of a type C(FIGS. 22A and 22B) which include a terminal pin having a knob 248 witha smaller shank 250, a single bore 252 and cord tie opening 254. Thepair of tube members at right angles to these and parallel to eachother, tubes 236 and 238, carry type A hubs (FIGS. 14A and 14B), thebores of which accommodate the terminal pins of the type C hubs, withlocking knobs 248. The openings or bores as at 252 in hubs Ccorrespondingly accommodate the terminal pins of the X-braced strutswhich lock in the manner illustrated in conjunction with FIGS. 16A and16B. Upon assembly, the strut braces, of course, are locked into thebores in the hub C and so to the ends of the corresponding tubes 238,242 and 238 a and 242 a. Consequently, the struts push the quadrilateralend structures apart to tension any banners mounted therebetween and, atthe same time, force the knobs 248 of the hubs C off center in thecorresponding hubs A, thereby concurrently completing the self-lockingof the assembly.

[0093] These rectangular or“box-kite” banner display embodiments arelight, but very stable, as locked into place and, as shown in FIGS. 19,20 and 21, can be arranged as arch or bridge structures as at 260 andfor uses as horizontal configurations as at 270 and 280.

[0094] The quadrilateral or box-kite display systems also readily lendthemselves to being joined in multi-unit consecutive arrangements asillustrated in FIG. 18 at 290. In that arrangement, as in theconsecutive triangular base arrangements of FIGS. 13B and 13C, joined orcan be accomplished by simply replacing the type A hubs with type B hubs(FIGS. 15A and 15B) in the intermediate units which will serve to selflock the units together upon assembly.

[0095] Another embodiment of an X-braced banner display in accordancewith the invention is the subject of FIGS. 23 and 24 in which anX-braced mounted banner, generally 300, is mounted on a conventionaltripod, generally 302. That embodiment includes X-braced strut members304 and 306 tensioning a banner 308 between mounting rods locatedbeneath 310 and 312. The tripod 302 is provided with a mounting clamp,one side of which is shown at 314 in the enlarged detail of FIG. 24,which attaches to the tripod 302 in a well-known fashion by means of athreaded connection at 316. The clamp with its opposite side, not shown,is fixed to the intersection of the X-brace members 304 and 306 as byusing a plurality of threaded fasteners at 318 to fix the clamp memberstogether over the X-brace. This arrangement can be used to support andcarry a photo background of any color or reflectivity, in a highlymaneuverable manner as for photographic background or accent in studiowork. In addition, the system may be animated by connection to amechanized means, if desired.

[0096] Any of the connected unit multi-banner systems and the singleunit rectangular systems may also be tethered or otherwise anchored foroutdoor use. The X-bracing construction and banner support assembly anddisassembly of those embodiments of FIGS. 13A-13C, 17A-20 and 23 is asdescribed in relation to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7. The multipleembodiments described serve to illustrate the adaptability andversatility of the banner display system of the invention.

[0097] Another aspect of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 25A-25Cwhich illustrate several multiple unit configurations using in-lineand/or hinged unit connectors between adjacent mounting rods. Someindividual units as at 340 include top and bottom mounting rods 342spaced by X-brace poles 344, the intersection of which may be retainedas at 346 by a strap member as above or by other devices such as shownin FIGS. 27L and 27M or a snap-together, snap-on hub as disclosed inconjunction with FIG. 27K. This baseless unit tensions and supportsbanners or murals retained as indicated by the broken line 345 but isnot self-supporting and is usually used in combination with otherself-supporting units, which may include an integral cord-retainedtriangular support base as at 348 and as has been described or asnap-fit removable stand base such as that shown in FIG. 31 and whichreadily adds to any baseless unit. The consecutive mounting rods of themulti-unit display assembly may be joined by common hinged or swivelfittings as at 350 or linear or in-line connectors 352 which addconfiguration flexibility. Examples of some fittings are betterillustrated in FIGS. 27A-27E where they are greatly enlarged. As will beexplained, these fittings or parts are designed to interchangeably snapfit together and pull or pop apart to disconnect and allow the user toreadily connect and disconnect the units from each other and readilyalter arrangements in multiple unit configurations. The parts themselvesof more than one piece also come apart in the same manner although fitsare tighter.

[0098] The combination of units with integral supports (self-supporting)and baseless units that may combine with attachable bases, together withthe use of interchangeable in-line and hinged pivoting connectingdevices allows multiple unit systems to be configured and reconfiguredin almost any arrangement imaginable. Several of these are depicted inthe FIGS. 25A-25F. The compact closed triangle structure 354 in FIG. 25Cis formed by three units without support bases connected by hingedfittings to form a unitary structure. The swept-back structure 356 ofFIG. 25A may or may not have snap-on or integral bases. FIG. 25B shows alinear system that combines units with triangular bases 348 with aconnected base-free unit. FIG. 25D shows yet another possible in-linecombination at 358. FIGS. 25E and 25F depict still another arrangementor structural booth-type concept. FIGS. 25E and 25F include anintegrally snap connected forward angled top panel unit 361 thatprovides a closed overhead booth look. This structure will often beadorned by a top horizontal front header banner or other device notshown. FIG. 25F is similar to FIG. 25E but includes additional flankingunits 262 and 263.

[0099] The FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate a plurality of polygon arrangementsat 364-367 in which the units are connected end to end. In thesearrangements, consecutive mounting rods or members may be connected asby fittings such as shown in 27E.

[0100] It will be recognized that the versatility of the system conceptenables one to mount and configure multi-banner or mural arrangements inalmost any shape. The multiple murals or banners can together depict onelarge scene or a plurality of smaller graphics. Those extending inmultiple directions, of course, can also show the same or differentgraphics to be viewed from the several directions.

[0101] FIGS. 27A-27M depict typical fittings for use with the systems,including but not limited to, hubs and hinged or rotating connectingdevices and straight or in-line connecting devices useful for theassembly of many multiple unit system configurations. FIGS. 27A-27Cdepict hinged connectors typically capable of at least 240° of rotationand FIG. 27E depicts a rotating connector with full (360°) rotation sothat it may be used as a U-connector. FIG. 27D depicts an end cap forinsertion in the last mounting rod end in any sequence. In thesefigures, a press fit end hub is shown at 370 having an end 372 adaptedto fit into one end of a top or bottom mounting rod (not shown) andwhich may be attached to another end hub at the opposite end of themounting rod by a resilient bungee cord device or the like in a manneras previously described. The opposite end of the end hubs 370 includesan enlarged knob 374 designed for snap fitting into sockets of similarshape as illustrated at 376 in the figures to be removably snap fit andheld in place by shoulder 378. The ports 370 also typically includelocking hub bores 380 designed to cooperate with the end hubs of X-bracecross members in a manner previously described with reference to FIGS.16A and 16B.

[0102] The FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate press-fit, hinged locking sleeveswhich include mutually relatively rotating, hinged parts 384 or 384A and386 which also pop apart if desired. Part 384 includes a hub 385 andhinge pin rivet 388 onto which part 386 is pressed or snaps held by pinhub 389. In FIG. 27C, there is depicted several angles of rotation inphantom. These include a 60° (120° from linear) angle necessary for thethree unit equilateral triangle set up of FIG. 25C and 90° useful forrectangular or wing back configurations. Of course, any angle within theallowable pivoting arc is available. Integrally molded stops on onesection of the press fit device can be used to limit rotational travel.The end cap of FIG. 27D is illustrated at 390. As previously indicated,FIG. 27E depicts another rotating connector which fully rotates and canbe configured in the form of a press fit U-connector 420 for joiningadjacent parallel mounting members as in the consecutive end-to-endpolygon arrangements of FIGS. 26A-26D. Even this connector is a pressfit or snap-together system in which identical parts 422, eachcontaining an end hub receiving recess and locking recess 424,themselves include pivots 426 which carry the numbers 422 in commonblock 428. This fitting is adapted to connect consecutive mountingmembers fragments of which are illustrated at 430.

[0103]FIGS. 27F and 27G illustrate one end tip or end hub/bungeearrangement. The end hub 400 includes a bore 402 adapted to receive oneend of a bungee cord 404 shown in cut away in FIG. 27G and whichcooperates with opposed wedge slots 406 to wedge-trap and fix or trapthe end of the cord 404 when the hub 400 is inserted in a tube member ofappropriate size. FIG. 27H depicts a press fit end tip or hub 410, arecessed retainer band 412 and no provision for bungee connection.

[0104] The FIG. 27H depicts yet another composite press-assembledconnector at 440 which provides for an additional snap-inrecess-containing rotating member 442 connected to provide a modifiedversion of the concept of FIG. 27E using a common connector base 444.The components of these devices also can be separated and re-press fittogether as desired.

[0105]FIG. 27K depicts a removable snap-together or press fitting,snap-on hub arrangement 450 designed to retain the X-brace members atthe intersection thereof in the manner of the strap 66 in FIG. 1, orFIGS. 27L-27M, including snap-together or press fit segments or halves452 and 454 joined by snap connector 456. Recesses 458 and 460 areprovided to accommodate the X-brace struts of any of the embodiments.Optionally, a further connector 462 may be provided to connect at rightangles to a vertical strut (as at 584 in FIG. 31) of a removable baseunit discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 31. Of course, thisdevice, like the others while when press fit or snapped together willremain in place indefinitely, is designed to be popped open and removedin accordance with the knock-down rearrangeable design concept of all ofthese configurations.

[0106]FIG. 27J depicts a flexible 3-way connector 470, including 3connecting devices 472, 474 and 476 which may be male or femaleconnectors and are illustrated as female connectors for use with bungeecords as at 478, including recesses as previously shown 424. Theconnectors are connected to a central hub 480 and may connect to avertical and two horizontal or coplaner members via cords or snapfitting to provide a support base. It will be recognized that both thedisplays and the display fittings that join them together are designedto the extent feasible to snap together and come apart as needed. Thisdevice can be used in conjunction with the hub of FIG. 27K in theconstruction of the removable base support unit as discussed below inconjunction with FIG. 31.

[0107]FIGS. 27L and 27M depict an alternative system for retaining theX-brace members in stable configuration in which a flexible strap 484having bores 486 for receiving an X-brace tube is assembled on themember 492 so as to form a loop 488 to contain the crossing member 490as shown.

[0108] The fittings illustrated just above, like those previouslydescribed, may be fabricated from lightweight aluminum alloy, formablepolymeric materials, fiberglass or any other suitable materials. Thoseillustrated in FIGS. 27A-27M are preferably extruded or cast from any ofa variety of polyamide materials, particularly nylons, however, anysuitable, dimensionally stable and functional material will do.

[0109] An important aspect of the present invention is the provision ofa light weight knock-down or collapsible display system of the classdescribed, but which itself is capable of assuming a variety of sizes.In embodiments of this system, both the mounting rods and the cross orX-brace legs or rods can be constructed to be extended and collapsed toprovide a variety of display system sizes by accommodating a variety ofbanner and mural sizes. Components of systems illustrating this conceptare depicted in FIGS. 28A-28B, 29 and 30A-30E. FIGS. 28A and 28B showtwo sizes extendable X-brace rods 500 and 502, respectively, while FIG.29 depicts one size of mounting rod 504 in which the details areenlarged.

[0110] As seen in FIGS. 28A and 28B, each of the X-brace legs or rodsincludes a plurality of rod segments including a pair of telescopingsegments 506 and 508 and end segment 510 and one or more intermediatesegments 512. Note that the device of FIG. 28B contains one additionalsegment 412 to enable it to extend beyond the length of the rod in FIG.28A. The mounting rod of FIG. 29 shows only a pair of telescoping rods514 and 516. It will be appreciated that these also can be of varyinglengths. The rods of FIGS. 28A and 28B further include pairs of end hubs518 and internal bungee cord as at 520. The system of FIG. 29 furtherincludes press fit end hubs 370 as previously described includinglocking hub bores 380 which are designed to accommodate the hubs 518 inthe X-brace devices in a locking manner as previously described. Hingedconnectors are also shown at 520.

[0111] A locking mechanism for the telescoping tubes depicted generallyby 522 in mounting tube 520 is best shown in the enlarged views of FIGS.29, FIG. 30A, 30B and 30D. It includes a press fit hub section 524, 526or 528, with hubs 526 and 528 showing different configurations at 530and 532, respectively, to accommodate resilient bungee cord devices (notshown) in multiple-sectioned models.

[0112] The locking devices themselves include a pair of relativelymovable wedges in the form of a fixed wedge 534 and a movable wedge 536which has a central bore threadably mounted on a screw device 538, whichextends into the member 534. Thus, by rotating the members 506, 508 or514, 516 relative to each other the wedges slide past each otherexpanding to lock against the interior of the tubes and reducing therelative size of the configuration of the wedges 534 and 536 to unlockthe tubes in any desired telescoped position. The amount of permittedrelative elongation of the system is, of course, governed by therelative length of the tube sections 506, 508 and 514, 516. This istypically from about 12 inches (25.4 cm) to about 24 inches (50.8 cm),but can be any desired amount.

[0113] Still other telescoping embodiments, or embodiments which canoptionally be made size variable, are depicted in FIGS. 31, 32A and 32B.FIG. 31 depicts an optionally self-supporting structure of variable size550 there shown configured as a work supporting easel and including topand bottom transverse members 552 and 554 which may also be constructedto be length adjustable and telescoping although not shown so in thedrawing and telescoping side members 556 and 558 which join as describedhereafter to form a quadrilateral structure. The transverse members 552and 554 are provided with removable press-fit hub members 560 which ofthreaded expose shafts 562 and openings for locking end hubs 518, as hasbeen described. The side members 556 and 558 also are provided withpress-fit hubs 564 having bores 566 designed to accommodate the threadedshafts 562 of the hubs 560 and nurled finger-tightenable knobs 568 withthreaded bore shafts 570 are provided to complete the four-cornerconnections. The hubs 564 are also provided with snap-fitting knobs 572.The easel also has lower supports or work holders 574 which attach astwo parts to be secured around the members 556 and 558. Upper workretainers are depicted at 576 attached to the member 552.

[0114] Telescoping X-braces or struts 578 are also provided and held inplace at their intersection by a snap-together hub such as thatpreviously described at 450 which also connects to a support base formedby telescoping members 580 and 582 via a telescoping strut member 584.The three members are preferably joined at 586 by a flexible 3-wayconnector as previously described with reference to FIG. 27L at 470 andmembers 580 and 582 also snap fit connect to the hubs 564 via rotatingconnectors 588 which may be the same as or similar to those shown inFIGS. 27A-27C. The remaining or top end of the strut 584 connects intothe snap-on hub 450 using a connector such as that shown at 472 in FIG.27M. Once assembled, the easel provides a rigid support structure forcarrying fairly heavy work loads but is one which can also be readilydisassembled as desired.

[0115]FIGS. 32A and 32B depict an A-frame-type system 600 with a muralor banner shown mounted over the A-frame in FIG. 31B at 602. The systemitself includes a quadrilateral base having parallel members 604 and 606spaced by connected cross members 608 and 610. These are joined togetherby snap-fit hubs, previously described, which enable the assembly of astable quadrilateral base structure. Central hubs 612 and 614 areprovided with one or more spaced bores 616 to accommodate the end hubsof X-brace cross members 618 and 620 which may be telescoping in nature.The X-brace or strut members also connect, as previously described, tothe end hubs 620 and 622 of a top mounting member 624 and the lengththereof is adjusted to hold the mural or banner 602 taunt between themembers 604, 606 and 624. The inner section of the cross braces orX-braces 618 and 620 may be provided with either a strap or a snap-fithub as previously described (not shown).

[0116] It is an important aspect of the invention that the versatilityof the systems described be recognized. Thus, the various knock-downstructures can be reassembled in the same or other ways to produce avariety of final structures of numerous sizes to accommodate a widearray of graphic materials. Hubs and associated connectors are fullyinterchangeable. The triangle stand base, for example, is also made tobe readily added or detached as necessary from certain of thebanner-carrying or mural-carrying single units.

[0117] Additional embodiments of knock-down lightweight display supportsare illustrated in FIGS. 33-36 in which the triangular base arrangementsuch as shown in FIG. 13A-13C and 25A-25F may be replaced with astabilizing tripod leg arrangement in snap-fit integral combination withan X-braced banner support configuration characterized by a central hubmember which may be in the form of an X-shape which serves to retainboth the cross braces and a pivotal tripod leg in an adjustable relationwhich conveniently allows the banner display system to beself-supporting either in a vertical or horizontal disposition. Thissimplified system further readily enables snap-fitting, back-to-back andwall mount versions by substituting a double-ended connector for thetripod leg connector device. Side-to-side and other multiple bannerarrangements using connector devices previously discussed as in regardto FIGS. 16A-B, 22A-B and 27A-H and telescoping members such as shown inFIGS. 28A-B, 29 and 30A-E may also be used.

[0118] The core of this arrangement is a central hub system, oneembodiment, generally at 700 (FIG. 33), includes a main unitary moldedcentral hub 702 provided with diverging integral leg-receiving recesses704, 706, 708 and 710 which combine to form a distinctive“X” patternshown carrying respective brace members in slip-fit arrangement depictedby fragments 712, 714, 716 and 718 which represent X-brace members orstruts which may be similar to those depicted at 578 in FIG. 31, forexample. A further snap-fit leg pivoting and rotating, stabilizerattaching member 720 (seen better in FIG. 34) is provided which carriesan additional stabilizing or tripod leg 722 that slips into recess 724.The leg 722 forms a back stabilizing or a rear tripod leg with the twoadjacent brace members. The member 720 with leg 722 is capable ofswiveling between stops in either direction to achieve any vertical orhorizontal disposition so that the “X” form can be used to support adisplay in any desired disposition. The system provides the tripod basesupport without the need for horizontal segments such as at 580 and 582in FIG. 31.

[0119] A side view of the system of FIG. 33 is shown in FIG. 34 whichincludes a snap-fitting connector 730 which has a knob 732 to snap fitinto a similar recess 734 in the member 702. The connector member 730 isof a shape similar to that connector depicted at 374 in FIGS. 27A-27Eand is retained from easy separation but freely pivots or rotates in therecess 734 so that the member 720 with inserted tripod support leg 722can pivot between stops as desired to display a corresponding mountedbanner in different orientations. Stops to maintain the selectedposition are provided by the interaction between shaped recesses 736 inthe member 702 arranged in a pattern such as a cross which coincideswith a pattern of raised areas or knobs 738 in the member 720. Thesesnap into position to support predetermined radial locations such asevery 90°.

[0120] The central hub system 700 in FIGS. 33 and 34 is shown as part ofa self-supporting banner display support system in FIGS. 35 and 36. Ascan be seen in those figures, the X-brace members or struts 712, 714,716 and 718 may further be curved as desired. Mounting rods are shown at742 and 744 carrying a banner shown at 740. Three point stability isprovided by the leg 722 with foot 746.

[0121]FIG. 42 depicts an exploded perspective view of the assembly ofthe snap fitting stabilizing leg pivoting and rotating member 720 intothe X-member 702. This illustrates a 90° rotate/fixed position systemwith the recesses 736 and raised area 738.

[0122]FIG. 37 shows a back-to-back double banner display 750 in whichtwo central hub member connected systems are fastened together using asnap-in double ended connector 752 (see also FIG. 38) to replace thesingle ended connector system 730 in FIG. 34 to fasten two displaysystems together in back-to-back arrangement obviating the need for astabilizing tripod leg for either.

[0123] The snap-in double connector 752 can also be used to fasten adisplay system to a wall or the like as shown in the blown apart view ofFIG. 40. This arrangement uses a wall securing feature shown in greaterdetail in the exploded views of FIGS. 39A and 39B. FIG. 39B illustratesa plurality of fastening segments 760, in having a base 761 includingholes 762 which may be countersunk for use in securing each segment to awall or other mounting area. Each segment also features an integralsnap-in receptor 764 shown better in FIG. 39A and the segments aredesigned to break apart from a larger multi-segment system as at 766.One segment is shown mounted to a wall fragment 770 using wall fastenersas at 772 in FIG. 40.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 41, the fastening segments can be used to fastenmultiple displays as at 774 both to walls and floors. Any of thecompatible snap-fitting knob and shank connectors illustrated inprevious figures and embodiments can be used in this manner to fastenunits together and to walls, floors or even ceilings. As can be seen,the extent and shapes of such an exhibit have almost endlesspossibilities.

[0125] Enlarged view 43A depicts a foot 746 provided for the tripod leg722 and the tripod leg itself may be any desirable length as shown asmulti segmented in FIG. 43B to adjust the height of the vertical orhorizontal display. Thus, segments as shown at 722A and 722B may beused. FIGS. 43C and 43D depict vertical and horizontal arrangementsschematically.

[0126] The arrangements depicted in FIGS. 33 through 40D can be anydesired size and also use telescoping parts such as shown in FIGS. 28A,28B and 31 and the struts and mounting rods may be solid or hollowfabricated of metal such as aluminum alloy, formable polymericmaterials, fiberglass or other construction materials depending on thedesign. The connector and hub members are generally of extruded or castpolyamide materials, particularly nylons, however, any suitable, easilyformed and dimensionally stable material may be used here as well.

[0127] This invention has been described herein in considerable detailin order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilledin the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles andto construct and use embodiments of the example as required. However, itis to be understood that the invention can be carried out byspecifically different devices and that various modifications can beaccomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.

What is claimed is:
 1. A readily assembled and disassembled knock-down,self-supporting display unit that extends and retracts to accommodateand display banners or the like in a variety of sizes comprising: (a) apair of adjustable telescoping mounting members comprising upper andlower mounting members for carrying opposite ends of a display banner,each of said mounting members further comprising at least two relativelymovable telescoping members; (b) elongate flexible telescoping bracemembers, each of said brace members further comprising at least tworelatively movable telescoping members for connecting to and spacingsaid pair of hollow tubular mounting rods and thereby maintaining abanner carried therebetween in tension, said brace members beingdesigned to form an X pattern; (c) a releasable locking deviceassociated with the telescoping members of each said mounting membersand said brace members to lock the respective member at a desiredlength; and (d) a central member adapted to retain said telescopingbrace members which form therewith an X-brace system.
 2. The displayunit of claim 1 wherein each of said mounting members further contains:(a) a pair of press fit end hubs having hub shank sections of reduceddiameter with outer hub sections of a larger diameter such that the hubshanks are received in the end of said mounting members and said outerhubs protrude from the ends thereof; (b) said outer hub sections furthercontaining recesses to receive end fittings associated with ends of saidflexible hollow brace members; and (c) said outer hub sections furthercontaining connection devices adapted to receive snap fit connectorsselected from the group consisting of in-line and hinged connectors forassembling multiple display units together.
 3. The display unit of claima wherein said brace members comprise a plurality of slip fittingsegments and further comprising terminal end fittings at the extreme ofsaid segmented struts one of said terminal fittings being a pinconnected by a resilient cord running between the locking device andseveral segments to said one of said terminal fittings sequentiallycapturing said segments therebetween.
 4. The display unit of claim 3wherein a remaining terminal pin of each of said brace members is apress fit hub.
 5. The display unit of claim 1 further comprisingsnap-together, brace-retaining central hub arrangement for retaining theX-brace members.
 6. The display unit of claim 1 further comprisingremovable snap-fit support base connected to the unit and forming withthe lower mounting member a triangular support.
 7. The display unit ofclaim 6 further comprising removable snap-fit support base connected tothe unit and forming with the lower mounting member a triangularsupport.
 8. The display unit of claim 7 wherein said removable snap-fitsupport base includes a strut member snap fit to said snap-together,brace-retaining hub.
 9. The display unit of claim 2 wherein the hub andconnectors are fabricated from a polymide material.
 10. The display unitof claim 1 further comprising a pair of spaced lower mounting membersforming with said upper mounting member an A-frame construction.
 11. Areadily assembled multi-unit, knock-down, self-supporting snap-fitdisplay stand for displaying banners or the like comprising a pluralityof display units assembled consecutively, each said unit comprising: (a)an opposed pair of mounting members upper and lower mounting members forcarrying opposite ends of a display banner, each tube having an end hub;(b) elongate flexible brace members for connecting to a correspondingopposed pair of mounting members in each quadrilateral therebymaintaining the banner carried therebetween in tension, said bracemembers designed to form an X pattern; (c) a releasable locking deviceassociated with the telescoping members of each said mounting membersand said brace members to lock the respective member at a desiredlength; (d) integral locking recesses in said hubs for locking saidstructures together; and (e) snap fitting connector for removablyconnecting said ends together to form systems of a plurality ofconsecutive display units.
 12. The display unit of claim 11 wherein saidplurality of display units are connected side-to-side to form a closedtriangular structure.
 13. The display unit of claim 11 wherein saidplurality of display stands are connected end to end using removablerotating connectors to capture consecutive mounting tube ends inside-by-side arrangement to form a closed polygon structure.
 14. Themulti-unit display stand of claim 11 further comprising at least oneoverhead unit that provides a closed booth appearance.
 15. A readilyassembled and disassembled knock-down, self-supporting display unit forcarrying display banners or the like comprising: (a) a pair of mountingmembers for carrying opposite ends of a display; (b) a central hubmember having a plurality of elongated diverging recesses each forreceiving an end of one of a plurality strut members which formtherewith an X-brace system and a central recess in said central hubmember for receiving a snap-in connector; and (c) pairs of elongateflexible brace members having ends adapted to be received in saidcentral hub member and free ends for connecting to and spacing saidmounting members and thereby maintaining a banner carried therebetweenin tension.
 16. A display unit as in claim 15 further comprising a legfastening member having an elongate leg recess for receiving astabilizing leg and having a snap-fit connector for removably connectingsaid leg pivoting member to said central recess in said central hubmember and a stabilizing leg received in said pivot leg recess.
 17. Adisplay unit as in claim 16 wherein said stabilizing leg pivoting memberand said central recess in said central hub member include matingprotrusions and recesses which cooperate to provide a plurality ofdistinct fixed positions for said leg pivoting member to assume relativeto said central hub member.
 18. A display unit as in claim 16 whereinsaid stabilizing leg optionally has a plurality of segments.
 19. Adisplay unit as in claim 17 wherein said stabilizing leg optionally hasa plurality of segments.
 20. A display unit as in claim 15 furthercomprising a snap-in double ended connector having diverse connectorsincluding a first connector received in said central recess of saidcentral hub member and a second connector.
 21. A display unit as inclaim 20 further comprising a wall mounting device including an integralsnap-in receptor for receiving the second connector of said double-endedconnector thereby enabling the fastening of said display unit to a wall.22. A display unit as in claim 21 wherein said wall mounting devicefurther comprises openings for receiving wall mounting fasteners.
 23. Adisplay unit as in claim 20 wherein said second end of said double-endedconnector is connected to a second central recess of a central hubmember of a second display unit thereby enabling the back-to-backconnection of a pair of said display units.
 24. A display unit as inclaim 17 wherein said distinct fixed positions for said leg pivotingmember include positions which enable a banner to be mounted in avertical or horizontal position.
 25. A display unit as in claim 24further comprising a plurality of stabilizing legs of different lengthsto be used with said leg pivoting member to place a display in a desiredposition.
 26. A display unit as in claim 15 wherein said brace membersare telescoping members.
 27. A display unit as in claim 16 wherein saidstabilizing leg is a telescoping member.
 28. A method of fastening adisplay unit to a fixed member selected from floors, walls and ceilingscomprising steps of: (a) providing a mounting device including one ormore receptors for receiving a snap-fit connector carried by a displayunit; (b) providing openings for receiving mounting fasteners; and (c)snapping said snap-fit connector into one of said receptors.